Martha Mary Nickell

Martha Mary Nickell (Champine,Dennings) age 75 born October 23, 1949 died July 28th, 2025 in Saginaw, MI at the Covenant Hospital. Long time resident of Tawas City, MI Martha was born to Jennie Benedict in West Branch. She grew up In Tawas where she lived for most of her life. She was married to Oliver William Dennings for a while and had three children with him. Later she married James Nickell. Martha got her high school diploma by going back to night school and graduated in 1979 from Tawas High School. She became a CNA and worked at Tendercare Nursing Home in Tawas for about 25 years, before she had to leave due to a back injury. Martha enjoyed spending time in the woods picking all kinds of berries, hunting, fishing, working in her garden. She enjoyed canning what she grew and making zucchini bread. She also enjoyed reading. In fact in the weeks before she died she read five books. Most of all her favorite times were spending time with her three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Martha is Survived by her daughter Clara (Joe) Kardell of Minnesota, her son Oliver Dennings of Tawas City, Grandchildren Jennie (Nick) Esler of Minnesota, Patricia Kardell of Minnesota, and Nicole Dennings of Tawas City. Two great grandchildren Archer and Marciline Esler. Her longtime partner Eddie Fisher Sr. of Tawas City. Stepson Quba Austin,Nieces Tammy, Laura, and Jennifer, Nephew Perry, two aunts, two uncles, and many cousins. Martha is preceded in death by her sister Mary Jane Champine, her son William Taylor Dennings, her Mother Jennie Dennings (Benedict), her brother William Champine, nephew Ryan, maternal grandparents and many aunts and uncles. Also her two ex husbands. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday August 5th 2025 at the Masons Lodge 1140 South Lake St.(US 23), Tawas City, MI from 11-3. Memorials can be sent there. Cards can be sent to Oliver Dennings, 1343 Townline Rd, Tawas City, MI. 48764 or to Clara Kardell, 721 15th St. N, Virginia, MN. 55792